From 1991-2005, Bobby led the Braves to a record 14 consecutive Division Titles and consequently, postseasons. Despite only one World Series championship in 1995, this constant success gave Braves fans 14 years of glory, hope, and passion for America’s pastime and the team that was once dubbed “America’s Team” because of its national audience. While this may be an overstatement, “Team of the Southeast” is not.
In my journey from adolescence in Atlanta to an education in Southern Virginia, it has been hard to find someone who does not refer to the Braves as “their team.”

Why is this? Well, taking a break from the tribute to Bobby, it all started with Ted Turner (and a little help from geography). The Atlanta media mogul and former owner of the franchise created a nationwide market for his team when he began to air every game on his own TBS. With no baseball team in other southeastern cities like Nashville and Charlotte, the Braves fan base spread like wildfire from Georgia to Virginia. It did not hurt that Atlanta’s AAA affiliate was in Richmond. With Ted having done his part the Braves now just needed to win; that was Bobby’s job.

The year was 1991. The Braves were coming off of a last place finish which was not a big surprise. However, the young team was being pulled together and motivated by 2nd year manager Bobby Cox. The miracle “Worst to First” season of 1991 was the spark to the 14 straight years of fireworks in Atlanta fueled by brilliance both on the field and in the dugout.

While rarely dominant, Cox’s teams were always very good. In a grueling 162 game season, consistency is key. The boss’s strategy has been simple—make it enjoyable for his employees to come to work every day. His optimism and encouragement is unrivaled and the same can be argued for his success.

So many consecutive years of success did not come without a supporting cast. For one, there was General Manager John Schuerholz. Schuerholz put together a dream of a pitching rotation for Cox. For years the staff was arguably the best of all time, headlined by future Hall of Famers Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine. From 1991-1998 the three combined for 7 out of the 8 NL Cy Young awards (although one of Maddux’s 4 was with the Cubs). Another one of Cox’s strengths was grooming young players. 19 year-old Andrew Jones burst onto the scene with the Braves in the 1996 World Series and, under Cox’s tutelage, will go down as one of the greatest to ever patrol Center Field. Chipper Jones will be remembered as maybe the greatest switch hitter of all-time, and he has spent his entire 14 year career with Bobby and the Braves.

So where will Cox go down in the ranks of the game’s greatest managers? My biased opinion says #1. He is the 4th all-time winningest manager and has the 2nd highest winning percentage among the top 7. He holds the record for most career ejections which some may consider a bad thing. I think it highlights his greatest managerial trait: sticking up for and believing in his players as the ultimate players’ manager. He has been named Manager of the Year 4 times by the league and 8 times by The Sporting News. Other arguments can definitely be made, but Cox is in the discussion.

Here’s to you, Bobby. Thanks for the memories.

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